Researchers at Louisiana State University (LSU) have pioneered a low-cost method to break down plastic waste, potentially reducing large amounts of plastic pollution and saving significant amounts of money.
“Getting plastics to the recycling plant is only half the battle. The other half is reusing that plastic waste to create new products,” said James Dorman, program manager with the US Department of Energy and former LSU Chemical Engineering professor in a University news release. “Some estimates show as much as 95% of plastics in the US end up in landfills and incinerators. Our process breaks down commercial plastics, including polystyrene and high- and low-density polyethylene, so recycled material can be seamlessly integrated into new products.”
A Potential Game-Changer for Plastic Recycling
Traditional recycling methods, such as pyrolysis, require high temperatures and produce large amounts of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide and hydrogen. In contrast, the method developed by Dorman and LSU Chemical Engineering Professor Kerry Dooley uses electromagnetic induction heating along with specialized magnetic materials and catalysts to break down various types of plastic more efficiently.
According to the news release, this approach melts plastics from the inside out using electromagnetic waves, reducing the energy required for the process. Additionally, it produces minimal unwanted byproducts like methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, making it an eco-friendlier alternative to conventional methods.
“Our process works at lower temperatures and offers more precise control of the breakdown process,” Dooley explained in the news release. “It can even handle food residues and other contaminants that typically limit plastics recycling.” For example, yogurt containers with food residue, which are usually sent to landfills, can now be recycled effectively using this new method.
Retaining Core Monomers for Reuse
Most plastics are derived from fossil fuels through a process called cracking, which heats oil and natural gas to break large molecules into smaller ones like ethylene and propylene—the building blocks of polymers. By linking these monomers, manufacturers create long-chain molecules that form plastics.
“Our extraction process retains key core monomers, so they can be reinserted into the polymerization process,” Dorman said in the news release. “For instance, we can extract ethylene from polyethylene during recycling and reuse it to create new polyethylene.”
Ethylene and propylene are highly valuable chemicals, with the global ethylene market alone estimated at $150 billion. Recycling these chemicals could significantly reduce the need for new fossil fuel resources and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Economic and Environmental Impact
“By recycling these chemicals, we can help reduce the need for new fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions,” Dooley said in the news release. “Basically, our extraction process helps clean up the environment and creates a way to make money from what was once trash.”
This breakthrough aligns with LSU’s commitment to advancing energy resilience through its Scholarship First Agenda. LSU Vice President of Research and Economic Development Robert Twilley emphasized in the university news release.
“This breakthrough in plastic recycling is a crucial step in our Scholarship First Agenda mission to build a research platform for energy resilience,” Twilley said. “By innovating processes that increase the recycling of carbon-based materials and reduce carbon emissions, LSU is addressing the challenge of plastic waste and helping to create a sustainable energy future.”
Patent and Commercialization Efforts
Dorman and Dooley have partnered with the LSU Office of Innovation & Technology Commercialization (ITC) to secure patent protection for their invention. The technology is now positioned for commercialization, potentially transforming the recycling landscape.
“We’re excited about helping Drs. Dorman and Dooley explore the commercial possibilities for this cutting-edge technology,” said Daniel Felch, LSU ITC senior commercialization officer.
By focusing on innovative recycling technologies, LSU researchers may pave the way for a more sustainable future.
